In a major step toward strengthening public healthcare services, the Maharashtra government has approved a significant expansion of the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
The state cabinet, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the decision on Tuesday. With this expansion, the number of diseases and medical procedures covered under the two health insurance schemes will increase from 1,356 to 2,399.
The aim is to bring almost all major and chronic illnesses under the ambit of free or cashless treatment for eligible citizens across the state. The number of medical specialties covered has also been raised from 34 to 38.
Officials said the move is expected to significantly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for low-income families and improve access to subsidized medical care.
The expansion follows a detailed review by a government-appointed technical committee, which evaluated the treatment packages under both state and central schemes. The committee’s recommendations were aligned with the standards of the National Health Authority (NHA) and later approved by the state cabinet.
According to officials, with the extended coverage, even expensive and complex medical procedures that were previously unaffordable will now be available free of cost at empaneled hospitals.
Of the total 2,399 approved treatments, 223 will be reserved exclusively for government hospitals, aiming to promote the use of public health facilities and strengthen Maharashtra’s healthcare infrastructure.
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